WE LIVE BY PHILOSOPHY – GUIAO
Rain or Shine had been a losing team, not known for tough character until the team bonded with its feisty coach.
Coach Yeng Guiao has bared their winning formula after making a second straight PBA Finals appearance and getting a shot at rare back-to-back championships versus Talk n Text.
“We put culture in and we live by philosophy,” said Guiao.
“These guys know our principles. It’s ingrained in them. I don’t play favorites (as) I treat them equally. I can yell at them, I can curse them and they don’t take it personally. They follow game plans; all players do the same, walang superstar. They’re supposed to be mentally tough. They surrender their egos for the greater good of the team, so wala kaming egos,” Guiao pointed out.
“For us, it’s not the Xs and Os. It’s playing the game and living by philosophy. It goes to the other players who’d been with us. They carry the same attitude while already playing for other teams,” Guiao added.
Guiao admits they’re not among the league’s most popular but doesn’t care.
“We don’t want to be popular. We’re just happy to be a team known for its good basketball,” said Guiao, living by the same philosophy in his winning stints with Swift Mighty Meaty and Red Bull.
His players are just proud to carry the same badge.
“Ang attitude namin laban kahit kanino,” said Beau Belga, among Rain or Shine’s most fearsome bruisers.
They respect Talk n Text for everything the team has achieved but they set the respect aside as they face them on the floor in an expected gruelling championship battle starting Wednesday.
“It’s going to be a battle and I’m not going to be nice to everyone,” said Guiao.
Being the underdogs, the E-Painters feel the key is to hang in there.
“The longer the series goes, the better for us. We just wanna hang around and give us a chance. That’s all we want. If we can hang on and bring it to Game Seven, well and good. If we have a chance, it’s up to us (to win it),” said Guiao. (SB)
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